Probably have to win 45 games to make it. If that holds true, they will need to go 21-9.

quote:

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I think the Lakers will make the Playoffs

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I've been thinking that all season, but even though the Howard-Kobe relationship fascinates ESPN, Pau's injury, when combined with losing Jordan Hill really doesn't help me think it will be done.

Plus there is only 30 games or so remaining and just too much ground to make up. 3-4 games over that time period is tough since they haven'y played consistently yet.

I don't think the Rockets drop out of the top 8, nor Utah. I think the Lakers jump Portland, but end up at #9.

Who knows, maybe that season finale with Houston at LA will be a meaningful game?

[This message has been edited by Iowaggie (edited 2/11/2013 4:12p).]

Prior to Pau's injury I gave us a 60% chance of making the playoffs. Right now I'd give us a 40% chance.

I don't expect or really want us to make moves at the trade deadline unless Kupchak straight robs somebody again. Worst case we can make a couple tweaks in the offseason and go into next season healthy.

After next year Kobe and Pau come off the books making space for two max deal players in addition to Dwight.

I feel 99% sure he stays in LA. The new CBA means the Lakers can offer more years and money and there's always the media exposure and additional financial opportunities that come from being in LA.

I believe Dwight genuinely likes Los Angeles and the Laker organization. He's clearly frustrated with losing and the team's lack of identity, who wouldn't be.

The fact that MWP and Earl Clark get more shots than Dwight is sickening. D'Antoni clearly doesn't believe in low post play or using our size the way Phil Jackson did. There will be one more season with D'Antoni and the current cast and then we will rebuild around Dwight.

I'm not ready to say Kobe's run is over, but I can't imagine a realistic scenario where the Lakers win a title this season.

If the Lakers can make the right tweaks to the roster this offseason and go into next season healthy, they can make a run. Even at 36 Kobe will be a top 10 NBA player.

As far as D'Antoni goes, I expect him to coach next season. The Lakers have been eat up with injuries all season. Unless there is a total meltdown down the stretch or Dwight makes an issue of it, D'Antoni will be back.

That is disappointing because I hate his system even when well executed. I still wish we would've hired Brian Shaw when Phil retired and would still love to see him come back.

I've somehow become a Laker fan for the rest of the season. We just can't have the playoffs without them there.

Lakers overcome an abysmal 3rd quarter and a 4 point performance from Kobe to defeat the Suns. Dwight played huge down the stretch. I hate that MWP led the team in FG attempts yet again.

I think the key to the Lakers making the playoffs (besides winning games) is what Utah does with Al Jefferson and their roster moves.

Does Utah realize that 8th place gets them the same SAS beating they got last year and decide to go for "financial flexibility" and/or acquire something for AJ?


Utah has about $40 million coming off the books this off-season, so they have a lot of options.

with Pau going down the Lakers will not make the playoffs. Houston/Portland playing far too well.

And Portland has the toughest schedule of the bubble teams.

Utah has a rough stretch coming up as well.

in a new development...

Kobe Bryant Holds Kobe-Bryant-Only Meeting To Discuss Lakers

[This message has been edited by Simplebay (edited 2/14/2013 1:53p).]

Clippers are KILLING us with the 3 ball tonight. Clippers shooting 11 for 21 halfway through the 3rd quarter!

Now they're 14-27 thru the 3rd quarter.

Lakers shooting 53.4% and scored 80 points thru 3 quarters and are down 21. Defense is pathetic and it's not for lack of effort. D'Antoni is a heck of a nice guy, but a dip**** coach. I really hope this isn't the last game Dr Buss watches.

at first i was like

Rondo for Howard holy chit

whoa...

Ainge won't do it unless Howard says he'll resign. I don't see Howard making that commitment. I would love for this trade to fall through, and Rondo get all pissy about being on the trading block.

Of course, who knows, maybe they already have it in place.

(Next season trade Nash to Toronto)

Rondo for Dwight ain't happening and I wouldn't want it to.

The Lakers will not make any trades or roster moves until after the season.

Nice tribute to Dr. Buss at Staples tonight and really touching words from Magic. Really glad that ESPN showed it.

Time for Kobe to hang 80 on Boston for Dr. Buss.

Good first half. We gotta keep killing them on the glass.

Great win tonight. Team played with great energy, especially Dwight.

Kobe leading the way with 40 points on 15-23 shooting tonight. Big win over Portland.

Lakers are screwed, and I know people are going to say it is the loss of Buss leadership when they go down, but they've already mortgaged their future and now will have a tougher time getting free agents to go there with the new salary cap limitations.

Since drafting Bynum in 2005 (10th pick), what has happened to Laker 1st rounders.
2006 - Jordan Farmer (playing in Israel)
2007 - Traded
2008 - Traded
2009 - Traded
2010 - Traded
2011 - Traded
2012 - Traded

2013 - Owe to Phoenix
2014 - Available
2015 - Owe to Phoenix
2016 - Available
2017 - Owe to Orlando

Iowa,

The Lakers are perfectly positioned to rebuild after next season. I'm not worried about the picks. We will add up to 2 max deal players to Dwight in 2014/15.

Buss will pay $80mil in luxury tax because the Lakers media deal is the richest in the league.

Kobe just refused to lose today. Great victory over a Dallas team fighting for their playoff life.

My god Kobe is amazing

^
That was filthy

I hate any loss, but I'll forgive this one. The next 10 games (6 on the road) are critical. If we can go 7-3 in these games things get easier down the home stretch.

Out of fifteen games in March, ten are on the road where we've been abysmal. April has tougher teams, but we're getting them at Staples.

The margin if error is so slim right now that I have a hard time putting our playoff odds better than 40%.

Should we squeak in with 45 wins nobody will look forward to playing us as it would mean we played solid .714 basketball since the all-star break.